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Evidence · Home lending

The questions and original answers

Explore every question and captured response in the home-lending study, including answers asked nationally and from four cities.

questions
193
captured answers
1,094
AI platforms
4
collected
11 October 2026

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question was written as a voter would ask it and went to all four assistants. Some were also asked from a town. Open a question to read every answer to it in full.

Showing 20 of 193 questions

Show all 193

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Question catalogue

    questions.csv

    One row per question.

    Question ID, borrower, exact question, group and collected answers

    193rows

    Download question catalogue (CSV)

  • Answers

    answers.csv

    One row per answer, with its full text.

    Answer ID, question ID, borrower, assistant, city, words, coded recommendations, showed a link and full text

    1,094rows

    Download answers (CSV)

  • Sources by answer

    sources.csv

    One row for each website recorded as a source of an answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, assistant, city, website and publisher type

    4,574rows

    Download sources by answer (CSV)

  • Checks against official sources

    checks.csv

    One row per statement checked.

    Check, answer ID, assistant, what the answer said, verdict, what the source says, source and date

    4rows

    Download checks against official sources (CSV)

  • Recommendation coding

    recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per coded national loan-choice or support answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, borrower, assistant, question group, recommended lenders and supporting passages

    360rows

    Download recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Platform comparisons

    platform-recommendation-counts.csv

    One row per platform, lender and question group.

    Matched panel, recommended answers, denominator and supporting answer IDs

    105rows

    Download platform comparisons (CSV)

  • City comparisons

    city-recommendation-counts.csv

    One row per city, lender and question group.

    Matched panel, recommended answers, denominator and supporting answer IDs

    112rows

    Download city comparisons (CSV)

Use these tables to trace findings back to the original questions and answers. The full text of each answer is also on this page, under its question.

03

Read in full and checked

Some answers were read in detail or checked against official sources. Those appear on the study page, beside the findings they support.

ChatGPT · National

I've got a mortgage and another bank has offered a better rate and some cash to switch. Which lenders are worth comparing before I make up my mind?

If another bank is offering you a lower mortgage rate plus cash to switch, I’d compare at least four or five other New Zealand lenders before accepting. The best deal isn't necessarily the one with the biggest cashback — it’s the one that leaves you better off after interest, fees and any conditions on the cash are taken into account.

Which mortgage lenders are worth comparing?

These are the lenders I’d put on your shortlist in New Zealand.

  1. ANZ

Worth checking for competitive fixed rates and cash contributions for borrowers switching from another bank. Ask for the best rate available for your loan size and equity, not just the advertised special.

ANZ home loans

  1. ASB

Compare its fixed-rate offers and switching incentives. It’s also worth asking whether ASB can offer a better deal if you already bank with it for other products.

ASB home loans

  1. BNZ

Include BNZ in the cashback comparison. Check the interest rate, the cash contribution and whether its loan structure suits how you repay your mortgage.

BNZ home loans

  1. Kiwibank

A useful alternative to the big Australian-owned banks. Compare its special fixed rates and any refinancing support, including assistance with switching costs.

Kiwibank home loans

  1. Westpac

Get a quote for the same fixed term as the offer you’ve received. Ask whether its cash contribution or negotiated rate can beat the competing offer.

Westpac home loans

  1. SBS Bank and The Co-operative Bank

Worth adding to the mix if you want alternatives beyond the major banks. Compare their actual offers for your circumstances, rather than assuming the largest bank will be cheapest.

SBS Bank · The Co-operative Bank

These are a comparison shortlist, not a ranking of today's best offers. Rates and incentives change frequently, and the deal you qualify for depends on factors such as your equity, loan balance and chosen fixed term. You can also compare advertised rates at Staircase's NZ mortgage rate comparison. Mortgage Rates NZ | Compare Home Loan RatesMortgage Cashback and IncentivesHome loan incentives ( non-rate incentives )

How to tell which offer is actually best

I’d compare these four things for every lender:

What to compare Why it matters
Interest rate Even a small rate difference can add up to thousands over time.
Cashback Check the amount you’ll actually receive and any minimum loan requirements.
Cashback clawback period You may have to repay some or all of the cash if you switch away again too soon.
Switching costs Include legal fees, any valuation costs and a potential break fee on your current fixed loan.

Consumer NZ explains why it’s worth checking the costs of breaking a fixed-term mortgage, while MoneyHub has a useful guide to mortgage cashback conditions. Is switching banks easy?Mortgage Cashback and Incentives

One important move: before switching, ask your current bank to match the competing rate and cashback. You may be able to get a better deal without the hassle and cost of changing banks.

Let’s narrow it down to the best options for you

I can help you work out which lenders are most worth approaching and whether the offer you've received is genuinely competitive.

You can give approximate answers — no personal or account details needed.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

I've got a mortgage and another bank has offered a better rate and some cash to switch. Which lenders are worth comparing before I make up my mind?

Switching your mortgage to take advantage of lower interest rates and a cash contribution (cashback) can be a smart financial move, but it pays to look closely at the total cost—including hidden clawback clauses and legal fees.

The New Zealand lending market features several major retail banks and alternative lenders that regularly compete for refinancing business.

Major Lenders to Compare in New Zealand

  • The Major Trading Banks (ANZ, ASB, Westpac, BNZ):
    • Why compare: They frequently run aggressive refinancing campaigns offering cash contributions (often calculated as a percentage of your total loan amount, such as 0.5% to 1% or higher depending on size) to cover switching costs. Their standard fixed rates across popular terms (like 1-year or 2-year terms) tend to move in close alignment, though they occasionally roll out special unadvertised or competitive "win-back" rates if your mortgage broker or you directly pit them against each other.
  • Kiwibank:
    • Why compare: As a state-owned bank, Kiwibank often matches or slightly undercuts the major Australian-owned banks on fixed rates or offers competitive cash contributions for refinancing loans over certain thresholds (typically starting at $250,000).
  • The Co-operative Bank & Heartland Bank:
    • Why compare: Smaller New Zealand-owned banks or building societies frequently run targeted campaigns featuring slightly discounted fixed rates or flexible cashback packages to attract quality borrowers away from the big four.

Key Factors to Evaluate Before You Switch

When comparing offers, looking at just the headline cashback figure or the advertised interest rate can be misleading. Keep these crucial factors in mind:

  1. The Cash Contribution Clawback Period:
    • If a bank gives you cash to switch, they will almost always attach a clawback clause (usually spanning 3 to 4 years). If you sell, refinance, or break your mortgage term within that window, you are required to pay back a pro-rata portion (or 100% if it's within the first year) of that cash.
  2. Break Fees with Your Current Lender:
    • If you are currently on a fixed-rate term that hasn't expired, ask your current bank for a break fee calculation. Even if the new bank's rate is lower, a hefty economic break fee can completely wipe out any immediate cash incentive.
  3. Legal and Discharge Fees:
    • Switching banks requires discharging your mortgage from your current lender and registering a new one with the incoming bank. While many banks offer a legal fee contribution (e.g., $1,000 to $2,000 toward legal costs), you should check whether it will cover your solicitor's full invoice.

Suggested Action Plan

  1. Request a Total Cost Breakdown: Ask the competing bank to provide a formal written quote detailing the exact interest rate, cash contribution amount, legal contribution, and any application or low-equity margins (if your LVR is above 80%).
  2. Challenge Your Current Bank: Take the competing offer to your current lender before signing anything. Existing banks often have "retention teams" authorized to match rates or offer a loyalty cash contribution to prevent you from leaving.
  3. Consult a Mortgage Broker: If you prefer not to negotiate bank-by-bank yourself, use a registered mortgage adviser (broker) in New Zealand. Their service is typically free to you (as banks pay them commission), and they have direct visibility over unadvertised special rates and clawback terms across the market.

Are you currently fixed with your existing bank, and if so, when does your fixed term expire?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

I've got a mortgage and another bank has offered a better rate and some cash to switch. Which lenders are worth comparing before I make up my mind?

When looking to switch your mortgage for a better rate and cashback, it is smart to cast a wide net. New Zealand's lending landscape includes major traditional pillars, challenger banks, and cooperative/local institutions that frequently sharpen their pencils to win refinancing business.

You can cross-shop the following key lenders in New Zealand before making your final decision:

  • ANZ : As one of the major clearing banks, they frequently match or counter competitive offers, though their advertised rates differ from backdoor or negotiated refinancing packages.

  • ASB : Another major heavyweight that actively competes for switcher business, often matching advertised specials or providing structured cashback tiers depending on loan size.

  • BNZ : Known for competitive fixed-rate offerings and comprehensive digital tools, they are worth looping in to see if they will counter your current offer.

  • Kiwibank : As a locally owned state-owned bank, they frequently run aggressive rate specials (particularly on 6-month or 1-year terms) to capture market share. Current mortgage interest rates in NZ [2026] - Opes Partners

  • Westpac : Regularly trades punches with Kiwibank and the other majors for the lowest headline short-term fixed rates and solid cash incentives. [Opes Partners]

  • SBS Bank and Co-operative Bank : These smaller, regional or customer-owned banking cooperatives often provide unique flexibility or personalized negotiation margins that the big four branch networks may not match.

  • Non-Bank Lenders (e.g., Resimac, Prospa, or Velocity) : If your financial profile is strong but you want to look outside mainstream retail banks, non-banks can sometimes offer sharp alternative pricing or accommodate complex structures, though their cashbacks vary.

Before signing, remember to factor in clawback clauses —most NZ banks require you to repay a portion of the cash incentive if you break your fixed term or switch again within 3 to 4 years. Utilizing a registered mortgage broker can also give you visibility over unadvertised "special" rates and higher cashbacks that banks reserve exclusively for broker channels. [Canstar NZ]

If you'd like, let me know:

  • Your approximate remaining mortgage balance
  • Whether you prefer short-term or long-term fixed rates

I can help outline what size cashback or savings breakdown makes switching financially worthwhile after factoring in any legal or discharge fees.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

I've got a mortgage and another bank has offered a better rate and some cash to switch. Which lenders are worth comparing before I make up my mind?

AI Overview

When you switch lenders in New Zealand, looking at a mix of major and mid-tier banks will give you the best leverage to maximize your cashback and lower your interest rate.

Before making the move, you should cross-verify the specific terms with a provider platform or comparison engine like Interest.co.nz Mortgages or consult a mortgage broker.

Lenders Worth Comparing

Lender Category Top Names to Check What to Look For
The Big Four ANZ NZ, ASB Bank, BNZ, Westpac NZ They typically have the largest cash reserves to negotiate aggressive cashback offers (often ranging from 0.7% to 1% of the total loan volume).
The Major Challenger Kiwibank Frequently undercuts the "Big Four" on short-to-medium fixed terms (e.g., 6-month or 1-year specials) to win market share.
Regional & Member Banks TSB Bank, SBS Bank, The Co-operative Bank Often feature aggressive short-term fixed specials and highly competitive floating rates if you prefer a revolving credit portion.

⚠️ The "Hidden" Costs of Switching

While free money and a lower interest rate sound excellent, ensure you account for these clawback and moving costs:

  • Your Current Bank’s Clawback Period: If you received cashback from your current lender when you took out or re-fixed your loan, they will usually demand a pro-rata return of that cash if you break the contract early (typically within a 2 to 3-year clawback window).

  • Fixed Rate Break Fees: If your current mortgage is still on a fixed term, ask your bank for an official break fee quote before doing anything.

  • Legal Costs: Switching banks requires a solicitor to discharge your old mortgage and register the new one. This typically costs $1,000 to $1,500 , which your new bank's cashback should cover.

  • The 20% Equity Rule: The ultra-competitive "special" advertised rates across almost all NZ banks strictly require a minimum 20% equity (a Loan-to-Value Ratio of 80% or less). If you have less equity, you will face standard carded rates or Low Equity Margins (LEM). Compare home loan ratesCurrent mortgage interest rates in NZ [2026] | Opes Partners

To help you calculate if the move is actually profitable, what is your approximate remaining loan amount , how long is left on your current fixed term , and what cashback amount did the other bank offer you?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026